Preparing For Success At The Lasell College

Spring Career Fair

Spring 2015 Career Fair Presented by theOffice of Career Services

Goals of This Presentation

• To help Lasell College students and alumni develop realistic expectations of a Career Fair

• To provide you with information about the purpose of the Spring Career Fair

• To help Lasell College students and alumni prepare, perform, and follow through on their experience & maximize the benefits of this event

What is a Career Fair?Career Fairs are face-to-face meetings between jobseekers and employers from participating organizations and companies. The Lasell College Spring Career Fair:

•Provides a forum for student and employer interaction

•Offers the chance to network

•Allows for students and alumni to explore positions, organizations/companies & opportunities

•Brings a variety of employers to campus who are looking to network specifically with Lasell College students and alumni

Why Do Employers Attend Career Fairs?

• To attract top-notch candidates

• To promote their organization to prospective candidates

• To provide career information

• To identify potential Lasell College students and alumni (first impressions!)

Reasons Students Attend

• To personally meet and engage with employers

• To find full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities

• To network and make connections with employers

• To get ahead everyone else who have not even begun to think about their future careers or how they plan to get there!

Career Fair Myths Debunked

Myth #1: All I to do is “show up” at the Career Fair.”

Reality: •Preparation before the Career Fair is essential. Follow-up after the event is equally important

•Employers are looking for focused, well-prepared candidates that have knowledge about their organizations

Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)

Myth #2: It’s okay to show up in my jeans and Lasell College t-shirt or sweatshirt

Reality: •Students and alumni should dress appropriately - informal wear is not acceptable•Know your industry and dress accordingly •This is a professional introduction between potential employers/candidates

• Like it or not, people size you up in 3-5 seconds

• Your appearance and mannerisms can go a long way in toward the impression you make and how recruiters remember you!

First Impressions, Lasting Impact!

Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)

Myth #3: Career Fairs are just for seniors

Reality:•Freshmen and sophomore students who attend Career Fairs report increased confidence in their ability to interact with employers and communicate their accomplishments

•Juniors and seniors land interviews for full-time and part-time jobs, and valuable internship opportunities

Career Fair Myths Debunked (cont.)

Preparing for Success at the Spring Career Fair

Have a Game Plan

• Research the organizations that will be attending the event

• Prepare a “30-60 second “elevator pitch”• Connect your background to the needs of the

organization• Demonstrate interpersonal skills that set you apart

• Have multiple (15-20) copies of your resume

Research

• Review the list of employers attending the fair via College Central Network Event information page (http://bit.ly/1uCmFFe)

• Search for information on the company website. For more info use LinkedIn and careertv.com to profile interview tips and strategies for some companies

• Focus on the top five companies you want to target at the career fair, however, plan to speak to all employers, if you have the time

30-Second “Elevator Pitch”

• Imagine that you are on an elevator with someone in a profession, industry, or company that interests you

• Now imagine that you have 30 seconds to share your background and capture that persons interest

• Opportunities like this will arise at the Career Fair

• The elevator speech is a brief message or commercial about you

30-Second “Elevator Pitch”

When you approach an employer, it is important that you make a positive impression. Here are simple guidelines to think about:

•Introduction (name, year in school, major)

•With experience in (functions/capabilities)

•My strengths and interests include (unique activities/interests)

•I have worked with/for (types of companies/industries/fields)

•I am seeking an opportunity in…

The Sixty Second SellHow To Use Your Profile

Hi, my name is Jill Jobseeker. It’s nice to meet you. I’m a sophomore here at Lasell majoring in Hospitality and Event Management. My background includes coursework in (…) and (…) and I’m familiar with the (…). I am looking for an (…) internship this summer, I know your company has recently expanded their product line to include (…) and I am really interested in this area. I saw your position description on Lasell College Central Network through Career Services, and I feel that I would be a strong candidate for your internship program.

Connect Your Background

• What have you read about the company/organization?

• Do you have unique skills, qualities, or characteristics that would be a fit for them?

• What do you have to offer the organization?

Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills

• Be professional• Introduce yourself with a firm handshake• Speak clearly and concisely• Answer questions readily• Have your resume with you and easily

accessible• Demonstrate confidence• Maintain good eye contact• Show enthusiasm and interest

Career Fair Ready Resumes

• Make sure it is clear, concise, reader-friendly, one-page and error-free

• Tailor your resume for the specific companies that you plan to target during the Career Fair

• Make sure it is effectively highlighting your skills• Bring multiple copies printed on good quality

paper• Have your résumé critiqued at the Office of

Career Services

Job Fair No-No’sSource: Journal of Career Planning and Employment, Winter 2000

• Lacking focus - not knowing what type of position you are seeking.

• Admitting “I’ll take anything” or answering “I don’t know” when asked about interests.

• Not dressing neatly or professionally• Not bringing a resume• Lacking knowledge of the organization or

confusing the organization with a competitor• Lacking enthusiasm or interest in the

organization or job opportunities• Asking about salary

• Not asking any questions, asking inappropriate questions, and having a poor or unprofessional attitude

• Grabbing free stuff• Not making eye contact• Lacking communication skills• Not bringing anything to write with or on• Giving a weak handshake• Not taking the time to fill out a job application

Lasell College Office of Career ServicesEdwards Student Center

617-243-2124careerservices@lasell.edu

www.lasell.edu/careers

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